Third in the series of “Extreme Metal” vehicles released by Forces of Valour, this 1/16 Tiger I commemorates the battle of Villers-Bocage on 13 June 1944 and the exploits of Michael Wittmann during the course of that dramatic day as part of the 101st (Heavy) Panzer Battalion. Although the debate continues to rumble, it has been accepted by a number of parties that the vehicle Wittmann commanded that day was number 222 – the vehicle initially assigned to SS-Unterscharführer Kurt Sowa.
This exquisite piece of die-cast engineering features a moving turret and cannon, hatches that open and close, and a detailed die-cast engine block that can be placed inside the engine section. The vehicle has a fine “Zimmerit” paste finish, and is painted in the three-tone dark sand yellow, red-brown and olive green camouflage colour scheme adopted by the 101st Panzer Battalion during the summer of 1944.
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This limited edition item comes with a number of accessories, including tank barriers, oil drums and a scale figure of Michael Wittmann which can be fitted in the cupola.
It comes complete with a guide sheet, an A3 poster, numbered certificate of production, and two brochures containing technical information on the Tiger I and the story of Michael Wittmann’s role in the events at Villers-Bocage. Both of the brochures that come with this model contain narrative provided by this author from this website.
Packaging, brochures and accessories
The selection of images below are of the 1/16 Forces of Valor “Villers-Bocage” Tiger I inside its packaging, as well as of the two brochures, poster, certificate and guide sheet. As well as the vehicle itself, there was a separate box containing the die-cast engine block, and a container with all of the fixtures and fittings to be attached to the hull.
To view a larger version of each image, just click the appropriate thumbnails.
The vehicle
The following selection of photographs show the Forces of Valor 1/16 Tiger I “007″ with all of the accessories displayed, including the mud flaps, side skirts and command tank aerial. A number of the images illustrate the opening and closing hatches located on the hull and turret, the engine compartment with fitted engine block, and the commander’s cupola.
Additional Images
Some additional images of the Forces of Valor 1/16 Tiger 1 “222 Villers-Bocage”, complete with the Michael Wittmann figure, accessories and documents including the special collector card.
